Everyone must purchase bag tags for disposal of non-recyclable waste put out for collection (1 tag per bag). All tags must be visible to ensure pickup. If the driver cannot easily see the tag, the bag may be left behind. Tags may be purchased for $2.50 each (no tax). Purchased bag tags have no expiry date. When temperatures drop below 0, bag tags can become less sticky. If this happens, affix your tag to the bag at room temperature before going to the curb or fold the tag around the handle & stick both ends together (full tag must be visible). Bag tags are accepted at the Portland Transfer Station (1 per bag). Bag tags must be placed on the garbage bags prior to going to Transfer Station.

Each household is entitled to place 3 bags of household waste out each week. Household waste must be in a clear bag (no colour) with a current Rideau Lakes’ bag tag attached, weighing less than 40 lbs. All bags set out for collection must be tied and your bag tag must be clearly visible to the driver. During hot weather, freeze decaying material as bags will not be picked up if worms are present. Waste bags containing mostly recycling material will not be collected, as we encourage everyone to recycle. Dark bags will not be picked up. Bags may be placed inside a waste container, however tags must be at the top, clearly visible to the driver.

All bags/containers must be in plain view of the driver. Bags/containers cannot be hidden behind a tree, hedge, mailbox, fence or car. Place all bags at the end of your driveway (not across the road from your house). To ensure your waste & recycling is picked up during the winter months, place your bag(s) on top of the snow bank easily visible to the driver.

Large items are not collected at curbside and must be disposed of at the Portland Transfer Station.

Remember, your bags are YOURS until the driver puts them in the truck. If you have issues with birds & critters, put your bags in a container or cover them with a tarp/blanket. If your bags are torn apart before the truck arrives, it is your responsibility to clean up the mess.

Acceptable Waste Items, but not limited to:

• Food
• ALL plastic bags (grocery, bread bags, wood pellet, water softener, etc)
• ALL black plastics, including flowers pots and trays
• Milk/soup/juice cartons
• Tetra packs
• Foil juice containers
• Clam shell containers
• Clear & coloured plastic cups (solo cups and Tim Hortons iced coffee/capp cups)
• Film wrap, waxed paper & Ziploc bags
• Aerosol cans – completely empty (cooking spray, mousse, hair spray, shaving cream, cleaning spray, etc.)
• Food wrappers/packages (cheese, pasta, cookie, bread, etc.)
• Candy wrappers (chocolate bars, candy, gum, etc.)
• Cardboard tubes & canisters with metal trim/bottoms (frozen juice, potato chip, coffee, etc.)
• Toothpaste tubes
• Seasoning packets (gravy, taco, sauce mixes, etc.)
• Incandescent light bulbs (florescent bulbs are hazardous waste)
• Drinking glasses, ceramics, mugs, dishes, cookware/bakeware
• Small appliances (coffee maker, can opener, etc.)
• CD/DVD/VHS/Video Games & all cases
• Small oil jugs (completely empty)
• Wrapping paper, shiny gift bags, bows, ribbon, bubble wrap & cellophane wrap
• Bags from potting soil, mulch, grass seed, etc.